Jefferson Reporter

U.S. Senator Katie Britt recently paid tribute to Lieutenant Colonel Harry Stewart Jr., one of the last surviving Tuskegee Airmen, who passed away at the age of 100. In a speech on the Senate floor, Senator Britt highlighted Lt. Col. Stewart's journey and contributions as a Tuskegee Airman.

"He grew up watching planes come in and out of LaGuardia Airport, dreaming of one day flying himself," Britt said. "At just 18 years old, Lieutenant Colonel Stewart joined a new initiative launched in Alabama, a first-of-its-kind training program for black pilots established after the bombing of Pearl Harbor . . . he flew 43 missions from late 1944 to the spring of 1945 with the 332nd Fighter Group, earning the Distinguished Flying Cross after downing three German planes in a dogfight just before the Allied victory in Europe . . ."

Senator Britt emphasized not only Lt. Col. Stewart's bravery but also that of all Tuskegee Airmen: "[He] didn’t recognize the gravity of what he was doing at the time . . . he just wanted to serve his country, and serve his country he did... they faced almost inconceivable injustices, but they also believed in the promise of America..."

"The legacies of Harry Stewart Jr. and the rest of the pilots who made history should be recognized as central to America’s story," she continued.

Senator Britt has been active in supporting aviation education at Tuskegee University. Following her efforts to secure $6.7 million in funding last year, Tuskegee announced plans for a new flight school degree program.

“From the Tuskegee Airmen to Tuskegee University’s new, 21st-century flight school degree program,” she stated during a visit to the university, “Tuskegee has cemented itself as the past, present, and future of aviation excellence and innovation."

Dr. Mark A. Brown, President and CEO of Tuskegee University expressed gratitude for Senator Britt's support: “As North America faces a pilot shortage... our new degree program will prepare aviators to serve their country through the U.S. Air Force or commercial aviation industry.”

Senator Britt’s full remarks are available online.